December 13, 2024

My Journey to God

This Advent-tide

Strip away the secular call
To buy and consume to excess.
Strip away the immoderation of gifts
That feeds the passion to possess.
Strip away the stress of perfection—
Perfect meal, perfect house and décor.
Strip away the hectic schedule—
Cook, clean, wrap and shop for more.
Strip away, for now, the songs
Of sleighs and reindeer flight,
Of jingle bells and Santa’s elves,
Of frost and cold snowy nights.
But keep the Advent wreath
With its flames of anticipation.
And keep the holy Advent hymns
That ring with hope and adulation.
And keep the acts of charity
To God’s children most in need—
Feed the hungry, clothe the poor
Through gifts and merciful deeds.
And keep the crèche with figurines—
Save for that of our dear Savior—
And there you have the Advent-tide
Your yearning heart can savor.

By Natalie Hoefer
 

(Natalie Hoefer is a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis and is a reporter for The Criterion.) †

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